Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
In this week's issue:
A chance to win a free ticket to Web Summit Vancouver 2027
A hands-on workshop to build your personal AI stack
BC's stake in Canada's AI moment, unpacked
A midyear look at Vancouver tech — coming up in July
Plus: We’re looking for event support to help run VTJ’s events. This is a great way to plug into the local tech ecosystem while lending us a hand - and it gives you access to our exclusive events with no ticket purchase required.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TONIGHT: Beyond The Stack: What's Next?
🗓 Wednesday, June 17 | Register
Join Avega and Vancouver Tech Journal for an exclusive evening designed for technology leaders, IT decision makers, and forward-thinking business executives across the Lower Mainland.
Throughout the evening, executive speakers from RingCentral, Aptum, Thrive, and Cloudli will share insights into emerging trends, real-world challenges, and the technologies helping organizations scale, secure, and modernize in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES GROUP
Vancouver's Tech Office Experts
Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE – leaders in sourcing office space for BC’s startup and unicorn companies. The HTFG excels at helping clients find unique workspaces that drive productivity, reflect values, attract top talent, and fuel workplace culture.
🗓 Tuesday, June 23 | Register
A new wave of AI and data centre investment is reshaping British Columbia - and the decisions being made right now will define the province's role in Canada's digital economy for decades.
Join Vancouver Tech Journal for a high-signal panel discussion on what BC's AI infrastructure boom means for founders, operators, and technology leaders building in this space.
Topics we’ll cover:
Legislation & Trust — What do the new transparency and safety rules actually require from BC startups, and are we ready?
Talent & Workforce — Will this strategy finally keep Canada's best AI minds at home, or are we still losing ground to the US?
Sovereign Infrastructure — Who really gets access to public compute, and can BC startups compete with hyperscalers on Canadian terms?
Policy to Opportunity — How do BC founders move from watching the announcement to winning the contracts?
🗓 Monday, June 29 | Register
There's no shortage of AI tools - the real question is which ones are worth your time, and how to actually use them to get work done.
Vancouver Tech Journal in partnership with Cornerstone Community College is bringing hands-on workshop helps you cut through the noise: explore today's AI landscape, figure out what fits how you work, and build a personal stack you'll actually use. Expect live demos, real experimentation, and takeaways you can act on immediately.
No technical background needed — just curiosity and a willingness to try things.
SPONSORED BY RIIPEN
Accelerate projects with FuturePath
Riipen FuturePath helps organizations move from planning to execution faster. Through 10–420 hour project-based collaboration with post-secondary talent, employers gain capacity to advance priorities. Up to 50% of student stipends are covered by the Government of Canada’s iWIL program, enabling faster delivery and meaningful outcomes. Explore how it works today.
🗓 Tuesday, June 30 | Register
Every couple of weeks, we post up at a bar or café for informal, no-agenda conversation. Grab a beer, coffee, or tea and come talk to us about whatever’s on your mind—fundraising, storytelling, media, community building, where the ecosystem is heading, or something totally different.
🗓 Wednesday, July 8 | Register
With Web Summit in the rearview mirror and the year already half gone, we're bringing together some familiar faces to dig into what's shaped Vancouver tech in 2026 — and what the rest of the year might hold. Good conversation guaranteed.
SPONSORED BY MATEINA YERBA MATE
Energy that hits different.
Mateína’s new Zero Sugar line delivers smooth, organic energy from yerba mate — no crash, no weird ingredients. With clean caffeine and theobromine, it supports lasting focus and mental clarity. It’s plant-powered fuel that helps you stay sharp, alert, and energized — without the sugar. Try it out today.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Complete the survey for a chance to win a free ticket to Web Summit Vancouver 2027!
If you are a B.C.-based tech venture who participated in Web Summit Vancouver 2026 and took part in Innovate BC’s Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV) initiative, Innovate BC wants your input. Your feedback will help refine programming and better prepare B.C. ventures for future investor, customer, and partner engagement opportunities.
🗓️ August 15 | Apply
Submit an engineering design challenge for 4th year students in electrical and computer engineering at UBC. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with new talent and explore ways that emerging technology can improve your business.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN
Fasken has supported founders, investors and acquirers in the emerging tech ecosystem for over 30 years. We offer a full suite of services that scale as your needs evolve. Learn more.
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Apply for this cost-sharing grant program that funds small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires.
SPONSORED BY WEWORK
Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.
👋 YOUR COMMUNITY
🗣 VTJ Community Slack | Can’t make it to any in-person events? Network and chat with your friendly neighbourhood tech professionals using our dedicated Slack.
🗓️ Vancouver Tech Events Calendar | All local events in one place.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member | Get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.